Back in 1964, the Beatles came to America. That was the beginning for so many young would-be musicians. Bob and Joe Mel (yes, they are related), barely teenagers, became instant Beatles fans. Back then, Joe wanted to be the lead guitarist. Bob chose to play rhythm guitar and so it was decided. They got their first guitars that year and were already writing songs, even though they could barely play the instrument. That was the beginning of a prolific song writing career that has lasted nearly 50 years with a catalog of hundreds of songs, many of them performed with the various bands Bob and Joe played with.

After forming the first “garage/basement” band in 1965, they performed under many names but finally changed the band name in 1972 to “Eclipse”, named after one of Bob’s songs. Tom (T.) Harper was the band’s first bass player back in 1965. He since left the band but still contributes as a guest artist on Eclipse recordings. He is also an accomplished graphical artist and designed the Eclipse logo.

Today, Bob plays bass guitar, acoustic guitar, organ and a few other instruments. Joe plays most of the electric and acoustic guitars as well as piano, organ and keyboards. Joe is also the principal arranger, writing orchestral scores and backdrops and performing them in the studio on keyboard. Rick Liso joined the band as its drummer in 1968 and has been a major contributor to the band’s recording productions. Bob, Joe and Rick all share the vocal spotlight.

Eclipse does not currently perform live as a group, although its members continue to appear in public from time to time. Bob still performs as a solo act.

People often ask the band, “What style is your original music?” More often the answer is, “Listen to the Beatles’ White album in its entirety and tell me what style you think it is.” The secret of Eclipse’s success is in the song writing. Their songs have stood the test of time and continue to do so. Bob, Joe and Rick continue to write new songs that hopefully will be recorded and released on future Eclipse albums.